Lock mechanism



Nov. 4, 1941. E, P, HURD 2,261,472

LOCK MECHANISM Filed Dec. 14, 1939 IN VENTOR.

Eda/771512722761.

7 BY I ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 4, 1941 'lTED' sr TIES My invention relates to aynew and useful'improvement in a lock mechanism adapted for use.

on lock barrels. and similar locking mechanisms into which a key may be inserted for operating the locking parts. The invention lends itself particularly for use on objects which carry a lock which is exposed to the elements. A common example of such locks are those which are mounted on the doors of vehicles or the like. In the use of such locks, in order to prevent entry of dust, rain, snow, and the like into the looking mechanism, a cover flap is provided which covers the end of the keyhole and prevents such entry.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism so arranged and constructed that a swingable or movable cover flap may be eliminated while the entry of foreign substances into the locking mechanism may be prevented.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a lock of this type of a flexible member positioned so as to overlie the key opening and provided with a slit or passage therethrough through which the key may be inserted for operating the mechanism of the lock and so arranged and constructed that when the key is withdrawn the slit or passage will automatically be closed. Another object of the invention is the provision in a lock mechanism of a cover member for overlying the key opening and serving normally to close the same against entry of foreign material therein while permitting the free and easy insertion of a key thereinto and automatically moving into closing position upon the withdrawal of the key.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a lock mechanism of this class of a protective member for the keyhole formed from resilient material and arranged to automatically close the opening leading to the key passage upon the Withdrawal of the key and adapted for rotating in unison with the lock barrel when the same is rotated by the key.;

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

It is recognized that various changes and modifications may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such variations and modifications, particularly in the detail of structure, are intended to be included within the scope hereof.

Forming a part of the description is a drawing, in which,

Fig. 1 is afront elevational view of the invention showing it applied;

'having the side walls I4.

Fig. ,2 is a. sectional View taken on line 2-2 of.

Fig. 1;

Fig. 3' is a fragmentary sectional view'taken on line 3-3: of Fig. 1-, with .parts broken away and parts shown in side elevation;

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of the cover used in the invention.

In the drawing, I have illustrated the invention used with a lock embodying a casing 1 in which is positioned a rotatable lock barrel 8. Mounted on the casing 1 is a cap 9 having a central opening ll! formed therein. Projecting outwardly from the end of the lock barrel 8 are prongs II which are adapted to extend through openings 12 formed in the base I3 of a cup-shaped holder Positioned in this holder is a cover member comprising a block l5 formed from flexible yieldable material of a resilient nature and preferably formed from rubber. When mounted in position the cap 9 overlies the marginal edges of this block I5, the block l5 being cut away as at 16 where it is overlain by the cap 9. When in position the prongs II are projected through the openings 12 so that the retainer or holder will rotate with the lock barrel 8 when this is rotated by a key inserted into the bore or passage I1 formed in this lock barrel.

Formed and preferablymolded into the block l5 so as to overlie the passage I1 is a recess l8 communicating with a narrow slit IS.

The construction is suchthat by pressing a key inwardly on the slit IS the key will spread the slitted portions of the block l5 apart and move inwardly of the passage I! to effect an operation of the locking mechanism. As the locking barrel 8 rotates upon a turning of the key, the holder or retainer which carries the block 15 will also rotate. When the key is withdrawn the slitted portions of the block IE will move into engagement with each other so as to securely close the slit and thus the entry of foreign particles such as dust, snow, and the like, into the passage at the locking mechanism, will be prevented.

It is believed that I have provided a simple and effective structure for the purposes intended and one which may be easily and quickly mounted in position, and one which is economical of manufacture and highly efiicient in use.

What I claim is:

1. In a locking mechanism, a rotatable lock barrel having a key receiving passage formed therein; a cover member overlying said passage and having a self-closing slit formed therein in substantial registration with said passage; a retainer for said cover member; means for mounting said retainer on said lock barrel for rotation in unison therewith, a casing surrounding said lock barrel; and a cap mounted on said casing and overlying said cover member.

2. In a locking mechanism of the class described, a casing; a locking plug rotatably mounted in said casing, said plug having a key receiving passage formed therein; a resilient cover member overlying said passage and having a recess formed on one face in registration with said passage and provided with a self-closing slit through the opposite face communicating with said recess for projection of a key therethrough into said passage.

3. In a locking mechanism of the class described, a casing; a lock barrel rotatably mounted in said casing, said lock barrel having a key-receiving passage formed therein; a retainer mounted on said lock barrel and rotatable in unison therewith; a cover member of yieldable material positioned in and rotatable in unison with said retainer and overlying said passage and having a self-closing slit formed therein in registration with said passage for the projection of the key therethrough into said passage; and means mounted on said casing engaging the outer face of said cover member adjacent its perimeter for securing said cover member in said retainer.

4. A locking mechanism of the class described, comprising a casing; a lock barrel rotatably mounted in said casing said lock barrel having a key-receiving passage formed therein; a cupshaped retainer engaging at its base an end face of said lock barrel and secured thereto, for rotation in unison therewith and having an opening formed in its base in registration with said passage; an elastic cover member positioned in and rotatable in unison with said retainer and overlying said passage and having a self-closing slit formed therein in registration with said passage for the projection of a key therethrough into said passage; and means mounted on said casing and engageable with the outer face of said cover member adjacent its perimeter for securing said cover member in said retainer.

EDWIN P. HURD. 

